Howdy,
I figured I would just jump in an introduce myself and show a few pics. I figured what is the worst thing that could happen? I may get ridiculed off the site, OK I'll risk it.

My name is Andy Ward. I am 31 and find myself back in school pursuing my education to become a food animal vet. Since I have at least six more years of school ahead of me I figured I better find a job I love. I worked as a landscaper in the past. I left landscaping to join the Air Force. I served six years as KC-10 Crew Chief. I am now a civilian again,and trying to be a landscaper once again.

I have never owned my own business before. I obviously have a lot to learn, and eager for the knowledge.

Here are some pictures of my truck with graphics, equipment, door hanger and a clean up:
http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8138.jpghttp://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8136.jpgI forgot to lay out the hedge trimmer, but it is in the next pic.http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8139.jpgIn progress/ beforehttp://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8112.jpgAt first they did not want mulch, but soon changed their mind, I mulched it a few days later.http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8114.jpgThis is my first attempt at flyers/ door hangers.http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x441/AwardLawns/DSCN8148.jpg

Chevy z71

07-24-2011, 09:42 PM

Lookin good.

bobcat48

07-24-2011, 09:45 PM

Looks good,nice setup.

KE-llc

07-24-2011, 09:59 PM

the lettering on the truck looks great...soon as you can buy a used walkbehind! Skip 36" and go right to 48"....unless you have a lot of gated lawns.

Also invest in some nicer fliers, that truck puts off a good image...the fliers and 21" don't make you look any better then most of the guys on here...and these guys represent a good amount of the industry...sadly
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy31

07-24-2011, 10:31 PM

Thanks guys,
I agree in regards to the flyers and 21". I hope to buy a nice walk behind near the end of August. I will also be shopping for a trailer at the same time.
The flyers were a result of me trying to be cheap, and I guess it portrays the same theme. O well live and learn. My next flyers will be done right by an online printing firm with proper design elements.
Thanks again for the complements.

JDiepstra

07-24-2011, 10:42 PM

Looks good man. Some customers prefer the 21
Posted via Mobile Device

KrayzKajun

07-24-2011, 10:51 PM

Nice start. Love the truck
Posted via Mobile Device

Matt Hermann

07-24-2011, 10:56 PM

Your grass needs to be cut!

rcslawncare

07-24-2011, 11:28 PM

Looking good! Is that truck a diesel or gasser?

JDiepstra

07-24-2011, 11:28 PM

Its gas. Look at the tailpipe
Posted via Mobile Device

lawnman101

07-24-2011, 11:46 PM

Good luck and thanks for serving in the air force. :usflag:

StihlMechanic

07-25-2011, 12:09 AM

Not a bad start IMO.

Andy31

07-25-2011, 09:16 AM

Thanks guys for the complements.
The truck is gas (5.7 hemi). It is completely stock expect for a brush guard, swiss cheesed air box and a K&N filter.
Lawnman101 thank you, it was an honor serving.

FuturePilot4u

07-25-2011, 09:30 AM

very nice hangers

slqlc

07-25-2011, 02:05 PM

depending on your properties, and if your even looking for a bigger mower, Walker is a great finishing mower.

TheBetterDoorhanger

07-29-2011, 01:08 PM

Hey there -- I just wanted to give you some quick information for the next time you decide to print fliers or door hangers. I have noticed lots of useful information on the Lawnsite forums regarding suggestions on what to include in your ad but as far as making them look more professional we have lots of specials that include FREE CUSTOM DESIGN. We also have our proprietary Band-It feature that securely attaches them to all sizes and shapes of door knobs and our Stick-It feature that keeps it in your customers view on the fridge instead of in the drawer with the other ads. This feature really helps increase your ROI.

I just picked up a Ransomes 48" walk behind with a 17hp Kawasaki. OK I am not sure what it really is though. The tag on it is Ransomes, but the whole machine in orange. I thought Ransomes/ Bobcats were green. The mower does not appear to have been repainted, but who knows.

The Model number on the vin tag starts with M36 so I though it at one time had a 36" deck.
I may have a Frankenstein mower but just not sure. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I need to go over this mower and give it a tune up of sorts and a cleaning.
I figure I need to: replace the blades, change the oil & filter, new fuel filter, one new rear tire, two new front tires, spark plugs, new drive belts and new deck belts. If I missed anything please let me know.
I would also like to get some kind of chute deflector also.

That has to be a Scag, looks just like my Scag 36. Deck, controls, motor, gear shift, even the wiring matches my Scag.
Posted via Mobile Device

Andy31

08-09-2011, 06:07 PM

That has to be a Scag, looks just like my Scag 36. Deck, controls, motor, gear shift, even the wiring matches my Scag.
Posted via Mobile Device
Well this is promising, I thought it looked liked a scag when I first saw it but them it had the Ransomes tag on. When I was trying to research the vin numbers Ransomes said their ID tags were under the transmission, and this one is not. I sure would rather have a Scag than a Ransomes.

Turf Dawg

08-09-2011, 08:11 PM

Looks like a Scag to me too.
I really like the sticker on the r/h upper corner of the back glass. If you do any business with Tri-Tex grass down there please tell Mark G that Turf Dawg said hello.

Looks like a Scag to me too.
I really like the sticker on the r/h upper corner of the back glass. If you do any business with Tri-Tex grass down there please tell Mark G that Turf Dawg said hello.
Turf Dawg, will do, I am sure I will be working with them once I land a sod job. I considered taking off my stickers when I put the lettering on the truck, then I figured there is no need for that!
Looks like a 48" Scag to me.

Good start, thanks for your service!

Good luck!
Thanks Pitrack
Yes much better mower, ill say with 99% certainty its a Scag.
Posted via Mobile Device
Well this will make finding parts a breeze now. I suppose I will make it official and call it a Scag in my sig. block too. Thanks for your input.

I sharpened the blades and mowed my yard this evening with it. O man what a difference it makes. I almost forgot how nice it is to use a large deck mower. I was done in 10 minutes and that was with me crawling in 1st gear as I got acclimated to the controls.
Makes my want to push my 21" out for garbage collection, but I will not, I need it for a yard with a 39" gate.
Maybe a 36" will be next on the list, along with trailer, trimmer racks, etc, etc...

Andy31

09-03-2011, 11:22 PM

I got a few new pieces of equipment. After slaving with my 21" I quickly found a 48" walk behind. I soon got tired of loading up in the bed of my truck and also got tired of lifting it to fit through gates. I bought a 7x12 dual ramp trailer and a handy little 34" ztr. The baby ztr is amazing at knowing out backyards with ease. and with a 34" deck gates are no problem. Here are a few pics of my current setup.
I am searching a OCDC , and some good blades for the 34" deck, any ideas?
I think I will find a grass catcher for the scag for the leaves this fall, but not to sure if that is the best idea, or maybe I can find a mulching plate for it (all Oak trees).
BTW: does anyone know how or if I can change this threads title? While I believe my equipment is still modest in comparison to most, I think a title of Award Lawns might be a better fit.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0196.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0201.jpghttp://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0197.jpghttp://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0199.jpg

PLS-Tx

09-03-2011, 11:27 PM

The lettering on your truck looks great.

I like the trailer with the side gate also.

MowingMowingMowing

09-04-2011, 02:37 AM

The lettering on your truck looks great.

I like the trailer with the side gate also.

+2 on the side gate. That is the only thing I wish I would have done when I got my trailer made.

Chevy z71

09-04-2011, 11:11 AM

+3 For that gate if i ever get a bigger trailer im going to get a 6*14 with a side gate.

XLS

09-04-2011, 11:31 AM

I would sell the scag walkbehind fast.
It is a scag. The rasoms tag is a ransom tag but it is not in the right place.what does this mean.??
It means someone STOLE A SCAG AND HAD A TAG OFF A 36"cut Ransome the swaped the tags...... under the paint on the tank is were a scag sticker once was.......Stole equipment is no good.

the 34" toro should out cut the belt drive all day long just get rid of the scag and have room for a better unit
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Andy31

09-04-2011, 12:07 PM

Thanks PLS-Tx
XLS, I agree that it is indeed a scag without a id tag. However I think I will just keep it. I also agree that stolen equipment is no good. But what is worse, me selling a mower because it may be stolen or me keeping a mower without a ID plate?
I have nothing to hide here.

XLS

09-04-2011, 01:15 PM

i didnt mean sell it ...i ment get rid of it.lol you will have alot to hide when the cops show up when some one off here goes to your local cops and says this was my scag......then they see the ransom badge and a dealer in investigation goes....... that is a scap and someone switched the tag....... if you did it or not you lose the mower.....and if you cant or wont say who you bought it from they get YOU FOR THEFT where theytake the mower and possibly away. I would sell it if it was legal becausr the toro would run circles around the walk either way.
Posted via Mobile Device

ivyslawncare

09-04-2011, 09:02 PM

I love these threads when I see people progressing from a 21" in the back of a truck, to your current set up! NICE!

Green Industry Pro

09-06-2011, 03:17 PM

Awesome stuff man! I really like the lettering on the truck. I salute you for serving our country! :usflag:

SLMGT

09-06-2011, 08:04 PM

Looks good. Welcome to the site.

Ben's Landscape

09-06-2011, 10:03 PM

very nice equipment and growth in the short amount of time. i like the side gate on the trailer. next youll just need a bigger back pack blower(going off of what you said about the oak leaves), leaf loader, dumper hahaha sorry for making your list. that is exactly how i grew feel free to look at my thread with pictures. I enjoy seeing how other people grow from a 21 in a pick up truck to having a trailer etc also. I really like the lettering on the truck really looks professional. I have to also say i am not sure if you have them but get business cards!! great to leave everywhere same with pens. I have had great luck with vistaprint and they are very cheap and the quality is great also. Good luck come this fall with the leaves they are already falling here in RI i look forward to seeing some more pictures.

Andy31

09-06-2011, 11:26 PM

Thanks guys,
Ben, I agree on upgrading the blower. I have a homeowner leaf vac (craftsman) but I may just sell it this fall, and use a backpack blower, tarps and rakes. I would love to have a commercial leaf vac, maybe next year.
Here are few pics of some of my accounts.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0160-1.jpg
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0162.jpg http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0108.jpg http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0055-1.jpg
Here is a T-shirt idea that I have been kicking around. I personally like brown T-shirts w/ front pocket. Maybe have the lettering the bright-safety green on the brown T-shirt. I also don't care for the mower on the front. I got to reconsider the front of the shirt since they will have pockets. Opinions WELCOME! BACKhttp://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/DSCN8134.jpg
FRONThttp://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/DSCN8130.jpg
Well not sure what the rules are about pics but here is a couple of what I enjoy when I am not mowing, Dairy!
Ultrasound:http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/DSC04765.jpg
Blood work:http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/DSC04827.jpg

Andy31

09-10-2011, 11:01 PM

Howdy,
Could someone please tell me what deck I have on the scag pictured on page 2? BTW: I know it is not a Ransomes. I am looking to buy a grass catcher and a mulching plate for it. I just need some help identifying the deck model. If you can recognize the year range and model that would nice too, so I can download a manual.
Thanks guys,

ochosdaddy

09-10-2011, 11:28 PM

Measure your blade length. ~18" would be a 52, ~16" would be 48", it's either one of these two.

The Ransomes serial indicates a 36" deck with 11 HP engine, either Honda or Briggs. It doesn't belong on this Scag, but you know this by now. However, I do believe the early Bobcats were orange (and the serial # belongs to an early Ransomes), so it's possible (though I doubt it) someone was confused and riveted the tag on this mower not knowing any better. ;););)

Andy31

09-11-2011, 08:13 AM

Thanks, Ochosdaddy
But I guess I should have been more specific. It is a 48" deck, but I don't know if it is a advantage, velocity, regular, or none of the above. How can you tell these decks apart?

whosedog

09-11-2011, 09:22 AM

Thanks for your service! My son has a 2004 Dodge Hemi and loves it.Those lawns look really green for Texas,are all of your lawns irrigated?

Andy31

11-19-2011, 10:57 PM

Sorry Whoedog for the 2 month delay, but yes all of them are irrigated. Well it has been a couple of months, so here is a photo update:

2700 lbs of moss rock, I think the truck handled it well

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0487-1.jpg

The old wood railings are going to be removed to give it a more natural look.

Bluebonnet seeds and other native wildflower seeds sown in and finish raked.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0514.jpg

I am not sure what kind of dog this is but it was kinda cool.

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0519.jpg

Dang dog couldn't resist digging my freshly raked loam

http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg48/andresward/IMG_0523.jpg

Andy31

11-21-2011, 11:59 AM

Anybody ever use the method of adding moss and buttermilk in a blender and then pouring it over rocks to to cultivate heavier moss growth?

Andy31

01-11-2012, 08:11 PM

Well I passes my exams this morning for my commercial applicators license! I now have to begin researching and shopping for app equipment: Spray equipment and such...my yards range from 1/4 to 4 acres any tips on equipment selection would be greatly appreciated.
I have been doing a lot of leave clean ups lately, so I treated myself to a Shindaiwa EB854 blower and man that thing is a beast.
I am also looking for a steal of deal on a 60 or 72" with a bagging system.

Kennedy Landscaping

01-11-2012, 08:32 PM

I like the progress that you have made. And would also like to thank you for serving the country. Keep the pics coming bud this is a good thread.

weeze

01-11-2012, 08:58 PM

off to a good start it looks like. :D

Ben's Landscape

01-12-2012, 11:24 AM

Havent been on this thread in a while. Any new updates with equipment?